Investment Piece – Page 56 – Everyday Editorial

Now and Then: Puff Sleeves

Investment Piece: Puff Sleeves

I am endlessly fascinated by how trends come back. Today’s example: puff sleeves. Usually when I think of puff sleeves, I think of little girls. Sweetness. Innocence. But they are back in a big way- from dresses to statement tops.

Part of the appeal of puff sleeves, to me, is that they can make such an impression, but can also be so simple. A dress with puff sleeves? Instant looker, even if the rest of the dress is just a dress.

**** ok. I don’t believe in “just a dress”. I mean to say simple. Elegant.

And as many puff sleeves that you can get today, there are just as many puff sleeves way back when. 1930s? Puff sleeves. 40s? Puff sleeves. 70s? Puff sleeves? 80s and 90s? Puff sleeves (I even wore some of those!)

Investment Piece: Puff Sleeves

The joy of having things in both now and then is that you can find, choose, get the exact version of the trend that’s perfect for you. All while staying on trend. It’s win/win! From 1930s to super modern, there’s a puff sleeve out there that’s just for you. I’ve linked puff sleeves below that are both vintage and modern.

This is a trend to play with, enjoy. Wear puff sleeves from back then and right now. See what fits. What you love. Maybe there’s a puff sleeve to pass down to the ladies who come after us.

Investment Piece: Puff Sleeves
And if you were thinking that you had seen these puff sleeves before- you’re right! This was the dress that I wore for my birthday last year, seen here. My own little version of now and then. (I’ve also talked about puff sleeves here. Some trends never die, they just come back endlessly. Lucky us!)

What kind of puff sleeves are you wearing?
Xo RA

Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Puff Sleeves

Spring Greens

Investment Piece: Spring Greens

Sometimes, but only sometimes, when we think we don’t love a thing maybe it’s just that we haven’t had the right thing. I know I worded that awkwardly, but the sentiment is true. For years I thought that I didn’t really like gin. Didn’t hate it. But didn’t love it. During the pandemic I began experimenting with cocktails- turns out one of my faves is a French75 (made with gin), and one of my new fave things is Empress 1908 gin (it’s purple!). It wasn’t that I didn’t like gin, but I hadn’t had the right gin.

The same is true with green. I never hated green. I’ve worn green. But it’s always been a hit or miss thing for me. A sign of spring- yes! And while I love it on the trees, I always thought it looked better in nature than on me. Turns out, I was just waiting for the right green. My own spring green. And my loves, I think this is it.

Investment Piece: Spring Greens

Knit. Just slightly metallic (lurex even maybe). Pleated. Just the hint of ballerina. And while slinky, ever so forgiving. I found this Missoni number resale (but I did find you similar below) and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I thought that green wasn’t for me. But this green? This spring? It’s perfect.

I feel amazing in it- and by amazing I mean both like my best self and better than that, ready for a red carpet or to dance the night away at some chic, gone by disco. It could be the cut or the high-end knit. But really, for me it’s the color. Just like the green that spring brings, this shade on me feels new and renewed- all at the same time.

And if a dress (or a drink) can make me see things in a new light- make me realize that they may in fact be for me- what else have I been blind to. What other great things are out there waiting for me?

That’s the hope that I’m hanging onto this spring, and that’s the feeling this green gives me. I wish that you find something that makes you feel the same way. Again, this was resale (really, it is the best) but I found you similar- both new and vintage!
Xo RA

Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect hit price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Spring Greens

Extra

Investment Piece: Extra

So. The thing is: I’m extra. I tend to feel too much, talk too much, and I over dress too much.

Really. In the before I wasn’t afraid to show up in nice dresses and loud outfits. In the after, I can only imagine that many of my outfits will include cocktail dresses, sequins. I have over a year of outfits that no one saw (and I take pictures of so many of my outfits!), so get excited for that.

When I was younger, I was a bit embarrassed about how extra I could be. Often times I didn’t even know that I was being extra- working on my emotions and rambling is one thing, but it’s taken years to realize that my idea of what to wear and other people’s expectations can be very different, and how to both not care and regulate my outfits. However, the older I get the more ok I am with being extra. With really being who I am- even when it means I’m over dressed.

Investment Piece: Extra

It’s not that I want (ever) to show people up or show off or any of those things. But I tend to love big fashion. To think that cocktail(ish) dresses are more casual than they are. To not think that I’m overdressed at all and then find out people are only wearing sweats.

And yes, I used to come up with excuses and worry. But now? I just roll with it. I think that dressing well is a part of my love language – I dress up for you as I’m THAT excited to see you and to do things with you. My closet is full of pieces that are standouts, and I love wearing them in all situations.

Investment Piece: Extra

These pants are some of the most fabulous pants I’ve ever owned. Lame. Somewhat sheer. No matter what I wear them with- from tshirts and tank tops up- they make a statement. I’ve worn them with a bit of everything, but never out anywhere. I’m a little like these pants- no matter what or where I am, I can be a bit extra. The thing is- I no longer fight it. I’m comfortable being extra and I trust that I can be loved for that.

Pants like this shouldn’t be hidden away- and neither should you. Isn’t it funny when fashion teaches us a lesson?

These pants are vintage, but I’ve found similar ones for you below!
Xo RA

Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Fashion Stories: Childhood Trends

This week I am so thrilled and grateful to be featured in Voyage Austin. Both the process of this interview and while giving it, I couldn’t help but think about our stories. And our fashion. And what shapes both. It’s always funny as I always think I’m SO DIFFERENT in various stages of my life, but when I look back- there’s always a through line.

This was one of my first fashion stories, chatting about childhood fashion and what I still wear. Believe it or not, I think about it all the time- or I should say I think about how my fashion has stayed constant. The fashion that really makes me who I am.

The Voyage article is so nice- and it’s even niecer to tie it back to what I’ve been wearing for life.
Xo RA

Loves, as you know, I’m a big believer that fashion helps us tell our stories. And our stories matter. This summer, I’ve spent a lot of time helping my mom clean out many things. In mom’s house? A lot of baby pictures, which got me to thinking:

Last month we talked wedding dresses (see here) and yes, those are an item most of us can’t get out of our closet. Another item we tend to hold onto? Baby clothes (though my mom has mine boxed in the attic, but still). It made me wonder: does how we dress as children influence how we dress as adults? Are the things that were in our closets as kids still in our closets?

In my case, yes!! I was never one to turn down a party dress (I refused to wear pants till I was 5); and I’m still very partial to a great party dress (and shoes). There are direct lines between what I wore (and many times a day I changed) as a kid, and what I wear (and how many times a day I change) a day now. Ironically enough, my mom used to take pictures of all of my baby outfits, now I take pictures of my outfits. Everything comes around?

I hope you enjoy this video I made about these thoughts. I’d love to know:
What was in your closet as a kid? What can’t you get rid of? Did what you wear then affect what you wear now?

XO RA

***Note: I think I ramble too much. At one point, what I was trying to explain was I danced as a kid (yes, I still wear leotards around), and it got me in the habit of wearing a bun ALL the time

Spring Shades

Investment Piece: Spring Shades

Isn’t it funny how when things start changing colors in spring, our clothes start changing colors too? Almost every year, about this time, there’s an influx of color- be it brights or pastels- that is a deviation from winter. And every year, about this time, I’m surprised by how much I’m drawn to the new spring shades.

It’s not that I spend my winters only wearing black. But. Spring can make me feel like I’m drab, and adding in spring shades makes me feel brand new. New colors, new cuts, new me. I’m like the flowers- I bloom.

Investment Piece: Spring Shades

The spring shade I’m loving this year? Lavender. Just a slightly sweet version of purple, but it doesn’t feel saccrine sweet to me. Skirts. Dresses. Tops. Shoes. You can get anything and everything in lavender. But one of my favorite things? This jumpsuit. I bought it on a whim-but it’s become a corner stone of my spring wardrobe. The shade? Perfect. And these shoes? White felt daring (and super spring like) and the slip on is one of my faves.

Both are linked for you below! The jumpsuit great deal because it’s under $30, but I’ve worn it at least 3 times a week-it’s so easy to throw on and look chic. A sizing note- I wanted it a little over sized so I got a size bigger than I normally would have- I think it’s perfect. I also have a long torso and have been so happy that it’s a great length for me!

What spring shades are you loving and wearing?
Xo RA

Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Spring Shades

Hoppy Easter

Investment Piece: Hoppy Easter

There is more than one holiday happening this week, or have happened this week. If you’re celebrating, I hope that it is full of chocolate and love and renewal. If you’re not celebrating- I still wish you chocolate and love and renewal. I’m taking today to spend with my family and celebrate (virtually) but will be back in amazing shoes before you know it!

Xo RA

Fashion Stories: FashionxSports

Investment Piece: Play Ball

I’m endlessly fascinated by all of our juxtapositions. The corners and opposites that make us who we are, and make an outfit interesting. One of mine? I love sports. LOVE them. I’m a huge football fan (here, here, and here) I can’t miss basketball playoffs. And while I’m not the biggest baseball fan, I do enjoy watching my college team (and pay attention. Also- going to games is fun! I can’t wait till we can do that again! I wrote about baseball and fashion here)

There are people who are endlessly surprised that I can like both fashion and sports. Which is always so interesting to me. Sports stars are often seen as fashionable (and some even have their own lines). And fashion in its purest form is about a show, and sports is a spectacle- to me they don’t seem that so far apart. And if fashion is a way for us to tell our stories, wouldn’t it be natural for our fandoms- no matter what they are- to be expressed through our clothes?

Investment Piece: Fashion X sports

And if I’m telling my stories, I want to be in charge of them. While there are hundreds and hundreds of women who love sports, often our fashion options for our sports teams is lacking. In my opinion.

I’m a fan- I love the game. And I want the fashion I wear to show that, not be a beacon that I’m a woman. Pink. Sparkles. Rhinestones. I hate it all. If my team’s colors are purple. Or blue. Or green. I want to wear those colors. I want the shirts. And shorts. And sweaters. And more. That I wear to look like something the players would wear. Not a beacon letting the world know that I’m a girl.

Investment Piece: Play Ball

And I think there is a way to make sports wear look fashionable. Some of my tips? Wear heels. Pair fan gear- from hats to tops to pants- with a neutral. Let the team item pop. Wear your fan shirt like any other shirt. Dress it up. Be unafraid to be casual with it. Treat it like it’s any other outfit. Only wear your team’s colors- not logos. Don’t be fair to dress up for a game. Don’t be afraid to be casual.

There is no right or wrong way to show your love of sports in fashion. And if you don’t love sports? Nothing wrong with that either. After all, if you love sports like me, this is just another way to tell some of your stories.

Investment Piece: Play Ball

I would love to know. Do you love sports? Do you dress for it? How?

Xo RA

Day Dress

Investment Piece: Day Dress

During the quarantine I became obsessed with the nap dress, a cross between your high-end night-gown and a dress,(see here, here, and here). Now, as we move towards the after of the quarantine (or the middle? With a pandemic it’s hard to say!), my new thing is day dresses. Like a nap dress, but fit for day.

Ok. I admit. There may not be a HUGE distinction in nap dress and day dresses (though vintage day dresses are quite distinctive and I do love those). This dress was labeled as a day dress, styled with heels in his advertisements. And yet- it’s just as comfy as my nap dresses. Perfect for working from home, perfect for errands, and perfect for feeling like you’re dressed and yet feeling like you’re in PJs.

Investment Piece: Day Dress

Simple. Sophisticated. A bit more fitted than a nap dress (and yes, this one has leather accents, and pockets!) Usually when I think of a day dress, I think of the 1950s-fitted waists and all, not simple shifts like this one are changing my mind. I also usually plan a shoot and wait to wear new clothes- but when this arrived I put it on immeditately, snapped a few pictures, then went about my day- errands and work and all the rest.

Perhaps a day dress is defined not by its silhouette, or even when you wear it, but how it makes you feel. While the nap dresses (which I still love and wear) made me feel as if I were getting away with something (wearing my pjs out. Not a new thing for me, but a thing nonetheless), the day dress makes me feel like I’m able to get things done. Like the world is my oyster. Like the day is mine.

Investment Piece: Day Dress

Of course, maybe these differences are all in my head. Day dress, nap dress, dress- maybe it doesn’t matter. What makes you feel like you can take on the day (at home or out)? Maybe that’s the dress we should be wearing!

I’ve linked this exact dress (and yes, it’s avail in other colors) and the shoes!
Xo RA

Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: day dress

Ex Files: Dudes and Nudes

Investment Piece: Ex Files

It’s my monthly dating horror stories, my attempt at being Carrie Bradshaw, and hopefully a bit of cathartic release for us all. If you’re in the mood to really suffer I recommend My ex’s Friend, Dumped Before an Event, and The One Who Asked For His Money Back. You can also search Ex Files in the search bar. A friend of mine let me know that he spent a day reading all of these back to back- and that it was funny and horrifying! Of course, all names have been changed to protect the innocent and the not-so-innocent. Be careful out there!

Xo RA

Dudes and Nudes

If you are a woman in any capacity online you’ve gotten pictures that you didn’t ask for, or want. Why men send these I have no clue! If she wants a picture, I promise she’ll tell you.

I’ve gotten pictures from men I don’t know, men I do know, men who have gotten very angry when I asked them not to send said nudes to me.

A friend of one of my exes was persistent in sending me a picture of him in bed- luckily everything was covered but the picture was awful. It looked like he was in some bad motel where people had been murdered in the 1970s-when I showed the picture to a friend of mine she commented that it was made more awful in that he thought I had style so he wanted to show me his style. Unsolicited pictures are bad, unsolicited pictures that make you look like a serial killer are BAD. Worse? He was sending this picture to every woman he knew. Worst? When confronted by me or others, and asked not to send these pictures, the dude would get defensive and threatening. He let me know that he did business with my ex and could find out my address, he threatened other women who complained about his unsolicited pictures that he could harm them.
And the pictures weren’t even good!

I had a friend who had a man who would send her an unsolicited nude each morning. She ignored him. Till he sent her a calendar he had printed of his nudes. To which she responded in laughter. Probably not the response he was hoping for!

Every woman you know has a story about a man who has sent her pictures she didn’t want. It can be horrifying to open messages and get things you didn’t ask for- and difficult to know how to respond.

I have a friend who rates the pictures she receives – from composition to lighting to all the things. The men who send her unsolicited pictures don’t seem to appreciate her unsolicited rating of them. I have a girlfriend who just blocks. One who researches and will forward the nudes to the sender’s mother or wife/girlfriend.

There is no right or wrong way to respond- I’m not a believer that you have to be nice! And until we have a way to make these unsolicited nudes stop, I’m all for whatever way works for you!

Wishing us all a week free of unsolicited nudes and amazing shoes! XO RA

Little White Dress

Investment Piece: Little White Dress

For spring? What if we put our little black dresses away (just for a minute. I’ll wear a lot of black this season, I promise), but, just for something new- what if we tried a little white dress? For new beginnings? For Hope? For something a little different!

Now. Things I have thought in my little white dress: “I hope I don’t spill” ” My Grandma was right, knees are the most awkward part of the body” “Is this long enough?” “Is this too bridal?” “Will that come out?”

And yet. With all my fears, sometimes spills, and the many, many times I have steamed this dress to get all the wrinkles out- there is something about wearing white. Maybe it is because I wear so much black, or maybe because it is hopeful. But. In white I feel like I stand out just enough, that I look just enough hopeful. That my look is just enough spring.

I won’t be packing away my black for good- there’s no need to get crazy. However, I am trying to add more white in my waredrobe. What about you? How does white make you feel? Are you going to be wearing it with me?

This dress is old (and these shoes are from a few seasons ago- a gift from me to me! Yes, they take a minute to get used to a flatform, but once you do they are easy to walk in!) but I’ve linked you little white dresses I love for your shopping pleasure below!
Xo RA

Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Little White Dress